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There’s a reason why cranberries are so popular around Thanksgiving—the season for harvesting fresh cranberries falls between September and November! So, when you see bags of cranberries make their way to the produce aisle of the supermarket, you can guarantee it’s time to start making cranberry sauce. But there are also tons of other ways to put the sweet-tart berry to good use. Here, you’ll find cranberry recipes that go beyond the classic Thanksgiving side dish, including festive cranberry scones, cranberry margaritas, and Thanksgiving stuffing all made with ruby red cranberries.
The tangy flavor of cranberries is perfect for balancing out the sweetness in fall desserts. For instance, you can try Ree Drummond's cranberry apple crumb pie or the cranberry cake topped with sugared cranberries. Looking for something savory? Try the festive cranberry goat cheese balls or the turkey BLT with cranberry mayo—it's perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers. You can combine cranberries with other seasonal fruit too, like citrusy oranges and pomegranate recipes. Whether you're using cranberries that are fresh, dried, or even frozen, you won't want to miss the pop of color and flavor that comes from cooking with them all year-round.
Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie
What's better than apple pie? Apple pie that's paired with tart cranberries and topped with a buttery oat crumble, of course! The only thing left to do is serve it with a scoop of ice cream.
Get Ree's Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie recipe.
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies
These chewy oatmeal cookies are made with dried cranberries so you can bake them year-round! The pop of orange zest and drizzle of white chocolate make them an all-time favorite.
Get Ree's Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies recipe.
Cranberry Margarita
Looking for a festive cocktail to serve this fall or winter? Try giving classic margaritas a seasonal spin! All you need is cranberry juice cocktail and fresh or frozen cranberries for garnish.
Get the Cranberry Margarita recipe.
Gingerbread Cookie Sandwiches with Cranberry Sauce
Gingerbread cookies are delicious on their own, but stuff them with orange buttercream and cranberry sauce for even more holiday flavor. You can also cut out small shapes in the center of the cookies so your guests will know exactly what they're getting.
Get the Gingerbread Cookie Sandwiches with Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Sugared Cranberries
Add a little sparkle to just about anything with these sweet-tart cranberries that are covered in sugar. You can use them for garnishing a cake or brightening up a holiday cocktail.
Get the Sugared Cranberries recipe.
Apple-Cranberry Sauce
Crisp Granny smith apples bring even more fall flavor and a nice amount of texture to this homemade cranberry sauce. It's glossy, tangy, and perfect for Thanksgiving.
Get the Apple-Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Cranberry Scones
Not only are dried cranberries used in these tender breakfast scones, but there's also cranberry juice used in the sweet-tart glaze. Think: all cranberry, all the time.
Get the Cranberry Scones recipe.
Cranberry Cake
Fresh cranberries add a pop of color and sweet-tart flavor to this simple white cake. If you really want to make it festive, try topping the cake with candied berries as well.
Get the Cranberry Cake recipe.
Cranberry Martini
A homemade ginger-infused simple syrup adds freshness and a hint of spice to this holiday cocktail. It's also a nice complement to the tart cranberry juice.
Get the Cranberry Martini recipe.
Leftover Turkey BLT with Cranberry Mayo
Put leftover cranberry sauce to good use with this over-the-top sandwich. It’s piled high with turkey, bacon, cheese, and a tangy cranberry-infused mayo that you’ll want to spread on everything!
Hot Pepper Cranberry Sauce
This twist on cranberry sauce adds a spicy kick thanks to the jarred pickled chiles and Fresno chile pepper. It's perfect for those families who can handle a bit of heat.
Get Ree's Hot Pepper Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
If your family is skeptical about Brussels sprouts, just add bacon and cranberries! The smoky, sweet, tart flavors will turn everyone into a veggie believer.
Get the Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Apple-Cranberry Stuffing
Everything about this stuffing recipe screams fall, including the dried sage, apples, and cranberries. It's a welcome addition to any fall dinner table.
Get Ree's Apple-Cranberry Stuffing recipe.
Cranberry-Pecan Cheeseball
Looking to impress your guests with a festive holiday appetizer? Try this sweet and savory cheeseball made with three types of cheese, cayenne pepper, and dried cranberries.
Get Ree's Cranberry-Pecan Cheeseball recipe.
Cranberry Mimosa
There's no rule saying that mimosas need to be made with orange juice. So why not use cranberry juice and pineapple juice instead? It's fruity, sweet, and so festive.
Get the Cranberry Mimosa recipe.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
This is Ree Drummond's go-to cranberry sauce recipe. She makes this maple-sweetened sauce year after year.
Get Ree's Homemade Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Cranberry Brie Bites
This elegant appetizer is filled with melty brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and chopped pistachios. Serve a platter at your next holiday party and watch them disappear!
Get the Cranberry Brie Bites recipe.
White Grape Punch with Cranberry Ice
You can use fresh or frozen cranberries to make these festive ice cubes. Serve them with your favorite cocktail or with this white grape punch that even the kids can enjoy.
Get Ree's White Grape Punch with Cranberry Ice recipe.
Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Flatbread
This creative twist on Thanksgiving leftovers turns extra turkey into a flatbread topped with a salad made from fresh Brussels sprouts and cranberries.
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
"Use your Instant Pot to free up space on your stove," Ree says. It's a great trick for making the holidays easy.
Get Ree's Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce recipe.
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